Temecula may be known for its incredible wineries, but this town offers no shortage of excellent places to eat, too! Old Town Temecula is filled with dozens of locally owned restaurants, eateries, boutiques, and more! Old Town Temecula also has an old-time feel with a modern twist, and you’ll experience that feeling at many of the town’s most popular restaurants.
After several trips to Temecula and plenty of (delicious!) meals in town, here are my top picks for where to eat and drink in Old Town Temecula.
Breakfast & Coffee
1. The Press Espresso
The Press Espresso is a local chain with four locations across Temecula and Murrieta. The company was started by a husband and wife team in 2015 who developed a love and interest in roasting and brewing coffee. They have unique (and tasty!) flavors.
The location in Old Town Temecula is super charming—it is housed in a rustic wooden building with several plants hanging outside, but the inside has a modern, trendy look. The BSC (brown sugar cinnamon) latte is my favorite drink to order here. If you’re hungry, try one of the delicious pastries. My husband got a blueberry lemon loaf here, and I snuck a bite—it was tasty!
2. The Crafted Scone
The Crafted Scone is a local, family-owned coffee shop and bakery with a couple of locations in Temecula and Murrieta, including one in Old Town Temecula. This is a fantastic spot to grab a coffee, a scone, or a “sconewich” (a sandwich made with a scone) for breakfast or lunch.
During our visit to The Crafted Scone, we ordered a whiskey cream scone (be sure to get it warmed up!) and a Ham Sconewich with sweet hot mustard and an herb sauce. Both the scone and sandwich were delicious! I would 100% come back here during my next trip to Temecula. I’m looking forward to trying a coffee next time—the Brown Butter Toffee Latte sounds amazing!
3. Le Coffee Shop
Le Coffee Shop is a charming French café with outdoor seating and delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast items in Old Town Temecula. They recently expanded and have indoor seating now, which is a plus—this place is pretty popular, and it was always hard to find a seat outside!
For breakfast, order classic French menu items like Croque Monsieur and crêpes or traditional breakfast items like omelets, quiches, and sandwiches. My favorite thing to order here is the almond croissant (come early before they run out!) and the Salted Tiramisu Latte.
Brunch
4. 1909 Temecula
1909 Temecula is a modern gastropub that has been serving unique food, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer in Old Town Temecula since 2014. The local restaurant’s name pays homage to the building’s rich history—it was rebuilt in 1909 after a fire and served as a trading post, church, automobile shop, and even a saloon before turning into a restaurant.
1909 Temecula has a unique industrial feel with plenty of (dog-friendly!) patio seating, and they’re open for brunch, lunch, and dinner daily. Personally, however, my favorite time to visit is for brunch—we have been here twice for food on the weekend, and it is always so good. Try any of the French toasts on the menu. They’re all delicious!
5. Public House
Public House is one of the best restaurants in Old Town Temecula for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. This gastropub has been open since 2009, and like 1909 Temecula, it is housed in a historic building that’s been around since the 1950s.
Public House has a beautiful garden-style patio and a versatile menu featuring meals with local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. You’ll also find an impressive list of craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. I’ve dined here for both brunch and dinner and have enjoyed it both times—I can personally vouch for the Avocado Toast and French Toast for brunch and the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread for lunch or dinner.
Lunch & Dinner
6. The Goat & Vine
The Goat & Vine is one of the most popular restaurants in Old Town Temecula, serving handmade Italian-style specialties in a casual, chic atmosphere.
I recommend coming for a late lunch or early dinner. Otherwise, you might wait an hour or two for a table (especially on the weekends!). But while the wait is long, the food is so, so good! You’ll find delicious handcrafted pizzas, salads, and sandwiches on the menu. Most items are made from scratch each day (like the pizza dough—it’s fantastic!).
I’ve been to The Goat & Vine twice and have been super impressed by the food and the service both times. The first time I visited, I split The Goat & Vine Salad and the Hatch Chili Honey Chicken Pizza with my mom, which were both delicious. The second time, my husband and I split the Goat’s Garden Pizza and added fennel sausage, and I think it was even better!
If you get a drink while you’re here, I recommend the seasonal sangria. Both times I’ve been to The Goat & Vine, that’s what I’ve ordered, and it’s been delicious!
7. Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina is a family-owned restaurant in Old Town Temecula that serves authentic, high-quality, small-batch Mexican food.
After a day of wine tasting, we headed back into Old Town Temecula to find something filling for dinner—and Landeros did not disappoint! My husband and I ordered fajitas (I ordered chicken and steak, and he ordered steak and shrimp), and we both loved our meals! We probably could have split one meal. The portions were generous! And although neither of us got anything to drink, my mom got a margarita and said it was refreshing.
Even though there are a couple of options for Mexican food in Old Town Temecula, take it from me—Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina should be your first pick!
8. Small Barn Old Town
Although I haven’t had the chance to visit Small Barn in Old Town Temecula, it’s supposed to be one of the best (and newest!) restaurants in the town’s foodie scene, so I had to include it in this roundup of the best restaurants in Old Town Temecula. Plus, the exterior is adorable and looks like a chic furniture store—the perfect spot for a date night!
Small Barn is a modern bistro that serves brunch and dinner. They also have an impressive list of local and imported wines, as well as a selection of cocktails and beer. Their dinner (and lunch) menu includes light bites, like salads and soups, and proteins, like chicken and fish, that are locally sourced.
9. Blackbird Tavern
Blackbird Tavern is a laid-back, modern gastropub in Old Town Temecula. It’s a 12,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor venue, so it’s popular for hosting parties, rehearsal dinners, and other events. However, it’s also a great place to grab a drink and hang out!
I’ve visited Blackbird Tavern a few times. They have great appetizers, like the Korean-style potstickers pictured below, sandwiches and burgers, and a couple of main dishes. They also serve weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas!
My favorite part about Blackbird Tavern is spending time outside with the lawn games, string lights, and outdoor seating. It’s such a great place to relax with friends, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Old Town Temecula!
10. E.A.T Marketplace
E.A.T Marketplace serves clean, sustainable, local foods with an all-day breakfast menu and soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch.
I’ve ordered the Diestel Ranch Roasted Turkey Sandwich and Chicken Pesto Sandwich and can recommend both. They had house-made aiolis on them, and both were delicious! Plus, the marketplace has tons of fun trinkets and kitchen items, so while you’re waiting for your food, you can browse the store.
11. Corbeaux Wine and Tea House
Even though I’ve visited Old Town Temecula several times in the past few years, I just spotted Corbeaux Wine and Tea House on my last trip—and I am definitely adding it to my list of places to try on my next trip! It would be the perfect spot for a romantic date or a celebratory meal.
This one-of-a-kind wine and tea house serves delicious small bites with wine, tea, and cocktails that are inspired by French and Asian culture and cuisine. The prix fixe menu constantly changes with seasonal ingredients and chef-driven dishes, so you can always expect a fun, new, exciting experience when dining at Corbeaux Wine and Tea House.
12. Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ
We didn’t have time to “swing” into the Swing Inn Cafe during out last trip, but man, this place was packed when we walked by on Sunday around 10 AM!
This local restaurant has been in business since 1927, and it seems like it’s still just as popular as it was nearly a century ago. The Swing Inn Cafe is unique because they serve all-day breakfast. Their menu features classic down-home cooking, and they’re now also open for lunch and dinner and serve Texas-style craft BBQ, like brisket and pulled pork.
13. Bottega Italia
While The Goat & Vine is a spectacular spot for artisanal pizzas in Old Town Temecula, if you’re looking for authentic Italian favorites in a charming bistro setting, head to Bottega Italia!
Bottega Italia is my favorite spot in Old Town Temecula for pasta. From bolognese and carbonara (two of my favorites!) to gnocchi and seafood linguine, this restaurant has it all! In addition to pasta, you can also order appetizers, salads, and heartier entrees, like chicken, fish, and steak. They also have a ton of options for pizzas.
However, my favorite part about dining at Bottega Italia is ending the meal at the dessert counter. Even if I don’t dine here during my trips to Temecula, I always pop in for gelato—it’s the best place to get dessert in Old Town Temecula. Although I always choose the gelato, my husband also likes the cannolis—and you can never go wrong with tiramisu!
14. Two Travelers Wine Bar + Merchant
Two Travelers Wine Bar + Merchant is another “new-to-me” restaurant I discovered on my last trip to Old Town Temecula. After taking a peek inside, this looks like such an elegant place to sip on a glass of wine while snacking on some bites from the kitchen—perfect for a light dinner!
This wine bar offers a selection of sparkling, white, and red wines, as well as beers and non-alcoholic drink options. Although many of the wines are sourced from the best wineries in Temecula, the menu also features wines from wine regions worldwide, from South Africa and New Zealand to Tuscany and France!
The food menu is not huge, but everything on it looks amazing! Some items that stood out to me were the charcuterie and cheese boards, the focaccia slabs, and the sandwiches—the French Dip, Capresa Foccacia, and Brie and Procutio Sandwich all sound delicious!
Grab a Table at These Best Restaurants in Old Town Temecula
When it comes to restaurants, Old Town Temecula has something to offer everyone—whether you like to splurge on an upscale dinner or grab a quick bite on the go. Which of the best restaurants in Old Town Temecula sounds the best to you?
Planning a Trip to Temecula? Save the Best Places to Eat in Old Town Temecula for Later!
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